MSU Global Online Connection at Michigan State University is launching three distance learning programs for the World Bank's Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) - a series of videoconferences on the safety of organic foods, and two online courses, one in watershed concepts and another in international food law.
The two-part Food Safety Global Dialogue on organic food safety and international markets, featuring experts from MSU's National Food Safety and Toxicology Center (NFSTC), will be available in Spanish and English. During two-hour videoconferences on June 12 and July 31, ideas will be exchanged and pertinent regional issues identified. In between the videoconferences, a facilitated e-mail list will allow for the further exploration of ideas.
Participants in the dialogue are located in Bolivia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Peru. They come from government health and agriculture agencies and private sector organizations, including the food industry. They hold positions as microbiological and toxicological researchers, risk assessors and risk managers, food law specialists, sociologists, outreach coordinators and environmentalists.
"Participants in this global dialogue event will explore issues impacting the safe production and distribution of organic foods, as well as the social and economic issues related to the industry in developing countries," said Ewen Todd, NFSTC director and lead MSU faculty member on the project.
The five-week watershed management course, which begins on Aug. 26, will be taught by an international faculty and consist of local case studies and data collections from regions outside the United States. Course participants will learn the elements of effective watershed management through an introduction to both technical and socioeconomic factors.
The international food law course, which runs Aug. 26 through Dec. 6, is the first in a series of region-specific food law courses intended to provide a survey of the system of food regulation used in the various regions of the world.
By harnessing the latest technology tools, GDLN members are linked via high-speed communications technologies. They are part of a worldwide exchange of learning activities through courses, seminars and discussions on key development issues. Using interactive video, electronic classrooms, satellite communications and Internet facilities to help break down the digital divide, the network allows people to share their know-how and experience, regardless of time zones, distance or national boundaries.
"We recognize the importance of knowledge sharing and new technologies for development," said David Gray, senior knowledge management officer for the Latin American and Caribbean region of the World Bank. "We are pleased in the region for the growing partnership with our colleagues at Michigan State University."
MSU Global Online Connection is an academic business unit at MSU that is responsible for developing and marketing online and hybrid (online with face-to-face instruction) programs, products and services to working professionals and other lifelong learners in Michigan, the United States and around the world.
More information on these programs is available athttp://www.msuglobalinstitute.com/gdln
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